Process

Rolling out new art in custom frames left and right!

A few weeks ago a buyer contacted me about getting his purchase custom mounted in one of my hand sculpted frame and I was happy to work out a deal. He got “Construction of Form” framed and I’m super please with how it turned out:

ConstructionOfForm_FRAMED

After finishing it and doing some studio cleanup, I found another couple hand sculpted frames and decided to make a few pieces to custom fit those as well. Super excited with how the first one turned out. I’ve had many questions about my process. Basically I find (or purchase) and old cheapy basic frame, and then use Magic-Sculpt epoxy clay to work directly on the frame and build up textures to my liking. I also make a custom cradled box frame, basically a cradled panel one might paint on, but flipped over. I then collage the interior with various antique papers I’ve collected over the years and add washes of ink and paint for texture, and then mount the finished frame to the top. The final step is mounting the finished painting to wood and then mounting that to the interior of the boxframe. One of these days I might do a step-by-step of the process. But…

If you are really interested in doing something like this, I would encourage you to experiment and figure out how to do it on your own. That’s what I did. I basically (like everything I do) starting by thinking of what I wanted to make, and then experimenting with various methods to get something that matched my imagination. A lot of trial and error, discovery of the right (by first using the wrong) materials and methods, and basically an understanding of the process from the inside out. In my experience, this is the best way to learn something, and have it stick, rather than follow a recipe step by step. Every time I make a new frame or box panel, I just make it, I don’t need to find the instructions, because I made the instructions myself. I feel like I’ve been getting makny questions about what exact materials or step by step process I used as a shortcut so someone can just do what I did to get the same result. Find your own path and get your hands dirty- it’s super satisfying!

Anyway, off my soapbox. Enjoy “Ever Vigilant.”

EverVigilant_FRAMED“Ever Vigilant”
Pen/ink, ink wash & acrylic on paper, mounted to wood panel.
Float-framed in custom hand sculpted frame with hand painted, collaged background.
Original painting: 4″ x 6″, framed: 8″ x 10″ x 2.75″ (2016)
To purchase this or other available artwork, please swing by the store.

EverVigilant

original art, unmounted

EverVigilant_DETAIL

detail.

*NCW*

Live Art Seminar and Demo at Marcas Gallery.

by ncwinters on January 26, 2016

Live workshop and demo!

I’ll be working and answering questions live and in person this coming Saturday at Marcas Gallery in Santa Ana, California. Sponsored by the good folks at Trekell Art Supplies, I’ll be answering any art-related questions proposed by the audience while working live on a new painting. In Marcas’ own words:

“Marcas and Trekell are pleased to welcome illustrator, N.C. Winters to start off the demonstration and seminar program of 2016. Recognized for his highly detailed pen and ink compositions, Winters has received widespread acclaim and is a vital source for those who aim to learn more about the illustration process. Winters will demonstrate pen, ink and acrylic techniques, as well as further discuss his career as an artist. Additionally he will open Q&A for the duration of the seminar. All attendees are encouraged to record their observations using a notebook or sketchbook during the seminar.”

There is no cost for the event, but space is limited, and an rsvp is required. Simply send an email to rsvp (at) marcasgallery.com and you can come and attend. Afterwards I’ll be working alongside several amazing artists, each working in his own medium. Other artists in attendance include Che Smith, Chris SooHooGraham CurranGustavo RimadaRamón HurtadoRichard J. Oliver. More info about the painting demo here. See the map below for parking options.

Should be a total blast, see you at the event!

MarcasDemoFlyer_600px

MarcasMap

*NCW*

New Art: “Concurrence.”

by ncwinters on May 14, 2015

Here’s a new one along with a bit of process.

This piece was started a few days ago in a quick nightly session that was “livecast” via my Instagram page. I call these little endeavors “first lines” sessions as I’ll usually start with the first few lines of graphite and then post every 10-15 minutes or so. One of these days I’ll actually get a timelapse video put together, but for now, this analog version will have to suffice.
Enjoy “Concurrence.”

6upProcess_May15

step by step. (ooh baby)

Concurrence

“Concurrence”
Pen & ink, ink wash and acrylic on paper, varnished.
5.75″ x 8″ (2015)

To purchase this or other available artwork, please swing by the store.

Concurrence_DETAIL

detail.

*NCW*